Sport

Cherries: Cooper expecting tougher test than October

SHAUN Cooper knows Crawley Town will be facing a different animal when they travel to Dean Court tomorrow.

Former Cherries captain Cooper, who made his comeback from injury in the 2-1 win over Portsmouth on Boxing Day, joined the Red Devils on a free transfer over the summer.

And the Isle of Wight-born midfielder believes his new club will face a tougher side than the one they beat 3-1 at Broadfield Stadium in October.

Cooper told This is Sussex: “They had a few players missing that night and I know from speaking to some of the players that a lot of the lads weren’t happy with certain things. It has all been resolved now and they have got their best players back.

“With the money they had put into it, to think that was the best they could field on that day was disappointing.”

Cooper added: “I think getting Eddie Howe back is the best thing the chairman has ever done. Results have shown what he is capable of and the talent in their squad, I felt, was being wasted before Eddie came back.

“I spoke to a lot of fans who were frustrated and it was quite sad to see considering the money they spent but now Eddie has gone back in and got it all in order.

“Eddie has the knack of getting the best out of players. He works with what he has and sees the strengths in each individual and he works with that rather than trying to impose a style of play that doesn’t suit the group of players that he has. I’d tip them for automatic promotion. I just hope they keep going... apart from when we play them.”

Interesting to see both Davids and Demouge in the squad, the forgotten men! Can't see either starting though. McQuoid for Arter - if unfit, the only change likely. Might be interesting if them do come off the bench though to see what they can do..

Interesting to see both Davids and Demouge in the squad, the forgotten men! Can't see either starting though. McQuoid for Arter - if unfit, the only change likely. Might be interesting if them do come off the bench though to see what they can do..Square Old Codger

Square Old Codger wrote:
Interesting to see both Davids and Demouge in the squad, the forgotten men! Can't see either starting though. McQuoid for Arter - if unfit, the only change likely. Might be interesting if them do come off the bench though to see what they can do..

I would have thought Hughes in for Arter....rather than McQuoid? The whole of the "fit" squad is named above so may not even be room on the bench for the forgotten dutchmen.

[quote][p][bold]Square Old Codger[/bold] wrote:
Interesting to see both Davids and Demouge in the squad, the forgotten men! Can't see either starting though. McQuoid for Arter - if unfit, the only change likely. Might be interesting if them do come off the bench though to see what they can do..[/p][/quote]I would have thought Hughes in for Arter....rather than McQuoid? The whole of the "fit" squad is named above so may not even be room on the bench for the forgotten dutchmen.CherryFarmer

Shame Shaun Cooper was released, a quality player who would always adapt to whatever position he was asked to play in. Still has the ability to play at a higher level. Good luck for the future Shaun. I wouldn't be surprised if Harry Arter plays tomorrow. Eddie likes to do a Ferguson and play psychological games on the opposition where injured players are concerned.

Shame Shaun Cooper was released, a quality player who would always adapt to whatever position he was asked to play in. Still has the ability to play at a higher level. Good luck for the future Shaun. I wouldn't be surprised if Harry Arter plays tomorrow. Eddie likes to do a Ferguson and play psychological games on the opposition where injured players are concerned.bigfatsteve

Reading between the lines it's clear that Coops couldn't stand Groves & Brooks or the way they did things. Bit like the rest of the squad! Now we have the best young manager in the country leading us to the Championship!
Don't underestimate Crawley. They will be a much sterner test than the scrumpy drinkers and will be better at trying to park the bus. We are capable of beating them no question but we will have to be at our best!
UTCIAD!

Reading between the lines it's clear that Coops couldn't stand Groves & Brooks or the way they did things. Bit like the rest of the squad! Now we have the best young manager in the country leading us to the Championship!
Don't underestimate Crawley. They will be a much sterner test than the scrumpy drinkers and will be better at trying to park the bus. We are capable of beating them no question but we will have to be at our best!
UTCIAD!The Renegade Master

Not your typical centre back but one of the best we have had, reads the game superbly, skilful, good in the air, passes the ball well. Shame about the injuries but obviously rated cos as soon as he was training after a long injury he was straight back in the team

Not your typical centre back but one of the best we have had, reads the game superbly, skilful, good in the air, passes the ball well. Shame about the injuries but obviously rated cos as soon as he was training after a long injury he was straight back in the teamabc100

groves wanted cooper to stay but they wouldn't budge on a 1 year deal,the directors-think partington or maybe hughes will replace arter if he isn't fit tmrw but ultimately we need to sign a replacement for mc donald in january be it bartely or hollands- cover in my view to progress and that elusive right back-mead'es will be fine on the left cover and maybe someone like leon clarke if we dont sign lee barnard permanently which i hope we can do

groves wanted cooper to stay but they wouldn't budge on a 1 year deal,the directors-think partington or maybe hughes will replace arter if he isn't fit tmrw but ultimately we need to sign a replacement for mc donald in january be it bartely or hollands- cover in my view to progress and that elusive right back-mead'es will be fine on the left cover and maybe someone like leon clarke if we dont sign lee barnard permanently which i hope we can dopeterbond038

I am totally mystified why the " Two Dutchmen" keep getting a mentioned by certain supporters. Saw them in a friendly recently and they were truly awful - slow and cumbersome are two adjectives that come to mind. I'm sure Eddie and Jas are working with them to both get them fit and work on why we ever bought them .
Looking forward to tomorrow's game - think it will be a sell out again!!!! Come on you reds.

I am totally mystified why the " Two Dutchmen" keep getting a mentioned by certain supporters. Saw them in a friendly recently and they were truly awful - slow and cumbersome are two adjectives that come to mind. I'm sure Eddie and Jas are working with them to both get them fit and work on why we ever bought them .
Looking forward to tomorrow's game - think it will be a sell out again!!!! Come on you reds.merley girl